Sustainable shopping: from market to kitchen

Sustainable grocery shopping goes beyond simply buying eco-labeled products. It's about making conscious choices every step of the way, from where you source your food to how you store and prepare it in your kitchen. By shopping more sustainably, you can not only reduce your environmental impact but also contribute to a healthier lifestyle and often even save money. In this guide, we offer practical tips for more sustainable grocery shopping – from the market to your kitchen.

1. Buy local and seasonal

One of the best ways to shop more sustainably is to buy local and seasonal produce. Locally grown produce doesn't have to travel long distances to reach the store, which reduces CO₂ emissions. Moreover, seasonal fruits and vegetables are often fresher, tastier, and more affordable than imported produce. Visit local markets or farm shops to buy fresh, locally grown produce and support small businesses in your area at the same time.

2. Reduce food waste

Food waste is one of the biggest problems in the modern food chain. By shopping consciously and being smart about what you buy, you can significantly reduce your own food waste. Make a grocery list and plan your meals ahead, so you only buy what you really need. Store leftovers well and try to be creative with leftover ingredients. For example, consider making a soup or salad with leftovers, or making homemade broth from vegetable scraps.

3. Choose organic and fair trade products

Organic products are grown without the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, which is better for the environment and often also for your health. Fair trade products ensure that farmers and workers receive a fair price for their produce and enjoy good working conditions. By choosing organic and fair trade products, you support more sustainable agricultural practices and fair trade, which contributes to a better world.

4. Avoid unnecessary packaging

Plastic packaging is a huge burden on the environment, especially when used only once. Try to buy products without packaging, such as loose fruits and vegetables, or bring reusable bags to the store. Many supermarkets now also offer bulk products, such as nuts, grains, and legumes, that you can take home in your own containers. Avoid packaged products where possible and choose recyclable or compostable packaging if absolutely necessary.

5. Buy less meat and dairy

Meat and dairy production have a significant impact on the environment due to high water consumption, land use, and greenhouse gas emissions. By consuming less meat and dairy, you reduce your ecological footprint. Try eating plant-based meals one or more days a week, and experiment with meat substitutes like beans, lentils, tofu, and tempeh. For dairy alternatives, consider plant-based milks like oat, almond, or soy.

6. Pay attention to quality marks and labels

Sustainable shopping also means recognizing and understanding the various quality marks and labels on products. Quality marks such as EKO, Demeter, MSC, and Fairtrade indicate that the product has been produced according to certain sustainable standards. By consciously choosing products with these quality marks, you can be confident that you're making a responsible choice. Inform yourself about what these quality marks mean so you know exactly what you're buying.

7. Use reusable shopping bags

A simple but effective way to make your grocery shopping more sustainable is to use reusable bags. Plastic bags are often only usable once and often end up in the environment as litter. Bring your own cloth bags to the store or market, and don't forget reusable bags for fruits and vegetables. This not only saves plastic but also helps reduce your carbon footprint.

8. Store your food properly

Good food management in your kitchen not only helps prevent food waste but also extends the shelf life of your produce. For example, store fruits and vegetables separately in the same drawer if they don't mix well, such as bananas, apples, and tomatoes that give off ethylene gas. Use glass jars or reusable containers for leftovers and dry goods, and ensure your refrigerator is set to the correct temperature.

9. Cook consciously and energy efficiently

You can also make more sustainable choices when cooking. For example, cook with a lid on your pan to save energy, use the right size pan, and choose energy-efficient cooking methods like steaming or slow cooking. Try to make the most of ingredients, for example, by cooking peels and stems in soups and broths. This way, you get the most out of your food and reduce your energy consumption at the same time.

Conclusion: small steps make a big difference

Sustainable grocery shopping doesn't have to be complicated. By consciously choosing local, seasonal, and organic products, using less packaging, reducing food waste, and cooking energy-efficiently, you can make a significant contribution to a better environment. At Kyndly, we believe every small step counts and encourage everyone to make more conscious choices when shopping. Together, we make a difference, from the market to the kitchen.